Acne has to be one of the most frustrating and annoying problems that some of us will face in our lifetimes. It is right up there with mosquitos and sensitive smoke detectors. There are several known causes of acne: hormones, bacteria, clogged hair follicles, and excessive oil production. Let’s debunk the top 5 acne myths that you may have come across during the struggle to find out why the acne monster cursed you.
MYTH: Acne only affects teenagers
Wouldn’t it be great if this were true!? You would turn 20, and BAM no more acne! Some people never grow out of their acne. A study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that that 50% of women between 20 and 29 years old, 35% of women between 30 and 39 years old, and 26% of women between 40 and 49 reported having acne. Also, due to the fact that this is most likely in response to a hormonal imbalance, adult acne is much more likely to affect women.
MYTH: The stronger the acne-fighting product, the better
Living by the philosophy, “The burn means its working” doesn’t apply to acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are, no doubt, the kings of the acne aisle, but too high of a concentration of either of these can cause serious irritation to your skin.
MYTH: Blackheads are dirt stuck in your pores
A blackhead is actually an amalgamation of excess oil, skin debris and protein stuck in your pores. They are caused when your skin cells do not reproduce fast enough to push out the excess material and form a buildup. Dermatologists recommend a retinoid to combat blackheads.
MYTH: Tanning will make my acne disappear
Whether by the pool or in the tanning bed, this is a big no-no! Sunlight will in fact reduce inflammation in your body, but will also break down the body’s collagen. This will cause your skin to age quickly. Not to mention the harmful UV rays that you will no doubt be absorbing through both methods that could in turn cause a trip to the dermatologist for skin cancer treatments.
MYTH: Washing your face more frequently will get rid of acne
There is no known correlation between hygiene and the development of acne. Dermatologist recommend gently washing the face with a mild cleanser no more than twice per day. Washing any more frequently can cause irritation and dryness. This will cause the skin to create excess sebum which may further clog pores and cause even more acne.
If your acne has gotten to the point where you can no longer manage it on your own, connect with us today! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wooming by calling 972-661-5476 or request an appointment online.
